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130657Signed Into Law

Philadelphia Tightens Reins on Community Groups with New Zoning Code Rules for Power and Participation

Localmedium impact · 5/10substantive130657

Philadelphia Tightens Reins on Community Groups with New Zoning Code Rules for Power and Participation

Official:Amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by revising Section 14-303(12), entitled "Neighborhood Notice and Meetings," by establishing new minimum qualifications for Registered Community Organizations, adjusting the requirements for notification and meetings, and amending the procedures regarding re-registration of Registered Community Organizations, and Section 14-304(5), entitled "Civic Design Review," by changing the composition of the Civic Design Review Committee; all under certain terms and conditions.

Sponsor: Councilmember Henon

Introduced: September 26, 2013

Signed: January 23, 2014

: Committee on Rules

neighborhood planning zoning

Status: Signed into Law, step 4 of 4

Introduced
In Committee
Passed Council
Signed into LawNow

Plain-Language Summary

This bill amends the rules for Registered Community Organizations (RCOs) and the Civic Design Review Committee in Philadelphia's Zoning Code. RCOs must meet new minimum qualifications to be recognized, and the Civic Design Review Committee will have a changed composition.

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Philadelphia Context

Land Use & Zoning

Total parcels: 586,000
Residential zoning: 62% of land
Commercial zoning: 8% of land
Industrial zoning: 6% of land
Last major zoning code update: 2012

Philadelphia City Planning Commission

Housing

Total housing units: 694,338
Owner-occupied: 222,000
Renter-occupied: 267,000
Vacancy rate: 11.6%
Median home value: $210,000
Median gross rent: $1,150/mo
Cost-burdened renters: 53%

U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2022

Philadelphia Overview

Population: 1,576,251
Median household income: $52,649
Poverty rate: 21.8%
Unemployment rate: 6.2%
Adults with bachelor's degree: 32.4%

U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2022

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